Billy McNeill
Billy McNeill served Celtic as player and manager for 27 years but was a supporter for life. Celtic’s history won’t contain just a chapter on McNeill, but a rich seam of gold will flow through its narrative formed of his leadership and strength.
Billy the Player
In 27 years he participated in 31 trophy successes. As player and manager he contributed to 29% of all the trophies Celtic have ever won.
He captained the team for an unprecedented 12 years.
No player has appeared in the Hoops more than his 790. He won a trophy on average every 34 matches as a player.
For eight seasons between 1966 and 1974 he appeared in over 50 club matches for Celtic. In 18 seasons, he only appeared in less than 40 matches four times. He was never substituted and sent off only once.
Many of the great moments of Celtic history have seen McNeill at the forefront:
The 1965 Cup Final – the kick start to the Stein era
1967 Lisbon Lions
2 European Cup Finals and 2 Semi-Finals
10 men won the league in 1977
The Centenary Double
For me, my tiny part of his incredible Celtic legacy is that his final appearance in the Hoops saw him lift the Scottish Cup in 1975 versus Airdrieonians. Of course, leaving a winner! That was the game when as a wee boy I discovered Kenny Dalglish, and through him, Celtic.
Naturally I have limited numbers on the great man, but I did analyse the 1967 European Cup Final and you can read the account here.
McNeill’s match numbers from Celtic’s greatest triumph are as follows:
The point being such was Celtic’s dominance the great defender was hardly involved!
Billy the Manager
McNeill was in charge of Celtic on two occasions (1978 – 1983 and 1987 to 1991). It goes without saying he is the only man to have managed Celtic twice on a full time basis.
He was the next manager after Stein following Fallon’s caretaker stint. We all know how that goes, replacing a club legend (see Manchester United for instance)? Not McNeill. He won the title in 3 of his five seasons at a time Aberdeen and Dundee United had superb teams.
He managed Celtic in 455 matches, the 4th highest in Celtic history and second only to Stein in the post-World War Two “modern” era.
His 8 trophies as gaffer is bettered only by Stein and Maley.
Overall McNeill had a 66% Point Win Rate across his two spells in charge.
Billy the Man
This is a numbers site and in my own small way I wanted to provide my take on the memory of a true legend of the game.
But to read the stories today is to be reminded that what defined Billy was not statistics, trophies, wins but that he was a leader of men; a man of deep inner strength blessed with humility, humanity and perspective.
A consistent narrative is being told of a wonderful human being and family man.
Condolences and best wishes to his family and friends.
Hail! Hail! Cesar.